Victim Advocate

Full Job Description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for DHA for Critical Need Positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: This is a permanent position with USACE HQ. Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education/experience requirements described below.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, which includes: Providing immediate and long-term advocacy and support to victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault which could include conducting safety assessments, needs assessments, and/or developing tailored case management plans; coordinating medical, legal, and law enforcement resources to address immediate risks and safety concerns while prioritizing confidentiality and informed consent; advising victims on reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted) and their rights under Military Rules of Evidence 514; maintaining accurate case documentation in systems such as the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database (DSAID) and Integrated Case Reporting System (ICRS); collaborating with stakeholders (ie.

law enforcement, legal professionals, healthcare providers, and community organizations) to ensure victims receive holistic support; assisting in training and outreach efforts to educate stakeholders on SHARP policies, reporting procedures, and prevention strategies; and preparing reports and recommendations to inform leadership and improve program effectiveness.

OR Three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

AND Education and/or Experience: Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

OR Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. Major Duties:

• Provides comprehensive assistance, information, and referral to victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment, offering advocacy and educational services to service members, family members, DoD civilians, and contract personnel, when authorized.
• Provides initial victim advocacy services and crisis intervention support for adult cases of sexual harassment and assault. Conducts an initial non-clinical safety assessment.
• Collaborates closely with victims to develop and adapt safety plans and needs assessments to prioritize and address potential risks and vulnerabilities, applying trauma-informed best practices and informed consent throughout.
• Collaborate with victims to assess their readiness for case closure and develop a comprehensive closure plan, inclusive of completing a final safety assessment, applying transition strategies, and providing resources for continued care.
• Accepts official reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault by assisting the victim in completing the DA or DD Form and other official DoD forms as applicable.
• Prepares and submits to the SARC the “Victim Advocate Recommendations to the Commander” package within 24 hours of all Unrestricted Reports being filed, which contains options to the victim’s Commander on immediate and ongoing care.
• Develops detailed case management plans with short and long-term goals and objectives and engage in ongoing support activities tailored to the victim’s needs.
• Collaborates and consults with other SHARP personnel on the installation to ensure efficient service delivery, manage caseloads, and meet reporting requirements.
• Assists in training and outreach sessions for diverse stakeholders and local populations, providing information about SHARP policies, procedures, and reporting options.